Dončić Thanks Dallas Fans Amid Violent Protests Following Trade

Updated On Feb 3, 2025 by Landon Wheeler

Dallas Mavericks fans bring a coffin to protest Luka Dončić tradeSummary:

  • The NBA world is still shocked at the news of trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers for Davis.
  • Shaken by the shocking trade, the Mavericks struggled against the Cavaliers, failing to a crushing 144-101 defeat.
  • As reactions to the trade poured in, Dončić took to social media to thank Mavericks fans, reflecting on his seven seasons in Dallas.

The NBA community is still reeling from the blockbuster trade that saw Luka Dončić join the Los Angeles Lakers due to the exchange with Anthony Davis, sending shockwaves through both fan bases.

Following Saturday night’s shocking announcement, the Mavericks entered Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in a less-than-ideal state of mind.

By halftime, they were already behind 91-46. Their troubles continued well into the fourth quarter when they were down by as many as 50 points, including a 127-75 deficit with 10 minutes left.

The game ended with a dramatic 144-101 loss for the Mavericks.

As reactions to the trade continued to pour in, Dončić took to social media to express his gratitude to Mavericks fans and reflect on his seven years in Dallas.


Unhappy Fan Delivered $3,000 Coffin to the Arena

While Dončić’s message was filled with gratitude, the mood among many Mavericks supporters was anything but appreciative.

Furious over the trade, dozens of fans gathered outside the American Airlines Center to protest what they viewed as an unforgivable mistake by the organization.

The arena steps were draped with Dončić jerseys, memorabilia, and handwritten messages. Some thanked the superstar for his contributions, while others blasted the front office for allowing him to leave the team.

One fan went to extreme lengths, spending roughly $3,000 to deliver a symbolic coffin outside the arena and stage a “funeral” for the franchise’s hopes.

Some fans took their demonstrations up a few notches, drawing graffiti aimed at Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison next to the Dirk Nowitzki statue.

The graffiti prevailed despite cleanup crews’ hard efforts to remove the markings.

 

Harrison: “We’re Built to Win Now and in the Future.”

The trade itself would have been controversial under any circumstances, but Harrison’s public defense of the move only intensified the backlash.

Speaking to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, he attempted to justify the decision.

I believe that getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance, We’re built to win now and in the future.

That explanation did little to appease fans who had watched Dončić dominate as one of the NBA‘s most electrifying talents, averaging 33.9 points per game last season.

Many remained unconvinced that Davis, despite his defensive prowess, was an adequate return for a generational offensive force.
In an effort to further explain his thinking, Harrison told the Dallas Morning News, Brad Townsend that he understood why the reaction had been so intense.

I understand why they would be shocked, initially, But I do believe that we positioned ourselves to win now and also win in the future. And that’s ultimately the goal and why we’re here.

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